Low on Funds, White Sox Play the Lottery

by The Cheat on Jan 15, 2009 11:03 PM CST

Google News is filled with stories about lottery ticket sales, not because it's the start of a new year, a logical point to compare year-over-year numbers, but because of the flagging economy. Economic trend pieces, lottery or (ahem) otherwise, and commemorative Obama editions are just about the only things keeping newspapers afloat these days. So it should come as no surprise that we see our own White Sox economic piece just as the Sox seem to be trying to cash in on one (or more) lottery ticket signings of their own.

Yesterday, I was quite happy with the Bartolo Colon signing even in the absence of specifics. Today brings us the news that Colon's contract is non-guaranteed, with a base salary of $1M and maximum of an additional $2M in incentives. That's the type of contract that can only come out in the Sox favor; either Colon proves to be a major league pitcher (even if for a limited number of starts) and is "worth" more than the Sox are paying him, or Colon stinks and the Sox are out less than a million dollars.

Scott Gregor seems to believe that Kenny Williams' non-denial when asked about Freddy Garcia indicates the Sox don't intend to pin their hopes on just one lottery ticket.

As for Colon, Don Cooper, like us, alternates between too enthusiastic and reasonably guarded.

"He's a true No. 1 pitcher."

"Can we keep Bartolo healthy? That's going to be our major undertaking," Cooper said. "Right now, he's healthy and structurally sound. Kenny got us a guy who can help us win, a solid contributor in the fourth or fifth spot."

If there's any team in baseball who can keep Colon healthy and on the pitching mound, it's the White Sox. No team can come close to matching the 4 year run of health the Sox have had in their rotation under Ozzie Guillen and company. Part of that credit goes to the Sox excellent training staff, but a good bit of it goes to the Sox evaluation of those pitchers as well. And Williams seems to think the Sox have a good hold on what Colon brings to the table.

"Bartolo always has been of interest to us," Williams said, "and we know him to a greater degree than most clubs. The comfort level we have now is even greater than we had before."

Let's hope Colon is comfortable enough to show up to camp in shape, or at least ready to go by opening day.

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Another Sox economic piece

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=264640

The greatest trick the White Sox ever pulled was convincing their fan base that "Ozzieball" ever existed.

by The Wizard on Jan 15, 2009 11:33 PM CST reply actions

Its even better if the part is true

The Sox can bow out for 1/6 of the million at the end of March if things aren’t up to snuff. But then again it is Levine.

"It just occurred to me that the White Sox could win the division."

by SuddenSam on May 22, 2008 9:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

" That just makes me want to puke all over your head, sir."

by Tdogg on Jan 15, 2009 11:41 PM CST reply actions

What does "in shape" mean for Colon?

I guess it’s relative.

Good move for the White Sox. If it works at all, it’s a success in my book. I mean, the Sox just need a warm, league-average body to eat some innings. Not 200, not from Colon, but just kinda pieced together. Or even if league average isn’t possible, someone who doesn’t totally suck every five days and leave the Sox no chance to win those games. Little victories.

by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Jan 16, 2009 3:36 AM CST reply actions

"In shape"

Reducing trips to the buffet table from 3 to 2.

"No one is sure what Colon has left in his 5-foot-11-inch, 250-plus-pound body." - Chicago Tribune 1/15/09

by tailgater on Jan 16, 2009 9:58 AM CST up reply actions

hey everyone has to start somewhere

larry has that system down to a science. Especially with the way the economy is….big wigs like larry coming in dressed in their mink coats and 24k gold cigarrete holders with pockets lined with coke make for a large draw during shift changes.
by BobbySouthSide on Dec 9, 2008 4:24 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

by Jbasic89 on Jan 16, 2009 2:42 PM CST up reply actions

baby steps!

The greatest trick the White Sox ever pulled was convincing their fan base that "Ozzieball" ever existed.

by The Wizard on Jan 16, 2009 2:44 PM CST up reply actions

eliptical

by Daniel Berlyn on Jan 17, 2009 3:52 AM CST up reply actions

"In Shape" means he's gonna

shadow Oprah 24/7. And hoytsstash thinks that shadow may stretch clear to Glendale Az.
Perhaps he will “eclipse” Oprah 24/7, that sounds more accurate.

"wow, yeah. cubs ST should be awesome. have a great time."
-by Larry on Jan. 9, 2009 3:09 PM PST

by Hoytsstash on Jan 17, 2009 2:14 PM CST up reply actions

Picture Fred Savage: "Non-guaranteed is good!"

I would rather douse a newspaper in gasoline, wrap it around my penis and light it on fire then relive that experience
by armedpp on Aug 29, 2007 2:36 AM EDT

by winningugly on Jan 16, 2009 6:18 AM CST reply actions

he got him to sign on the line which is dotted!

The greatest trick the White Sox ever pulled was convincing their fan base that "Ozzieball" ever existed.

by The Wizard on Jan 16, 2009 12:41 PM CST up reply actions

Could the root of the problem be

that Reinsdorf had all his money “invested” with Madoff?

"I am not going out like SSH. "
by WTGTD, 12/3/08

by ballyb on Jan 16, 2009 6:26 AM CST reply actions

: )

"I am not going out like SSH. "
by WTGTD, 12/3/08

by ballyb on Jan 16, 2009 6:26 AM CST reply actions

OT: 70 dead cats found in bags outside San Antonio

MARION, Texas – Authorities are trying to find out who stuffed 70 dead Siamese cats into seven large trash bags and dumped them onto a road in suburban San Antonio.

San Antonio television KABB reports the dead cats were found Thursday in the Guadalupe County town of Marion. The animals were all adults.

Guadalupe County Sheriff Arnold Zwicke says the cats appeared to have been kept in a freezer or refrigerator. They’ve been buried at a site in Guadalupe County.

Marion is located 23 miles east-northeast of San Antonio.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090116/ap_on_re_us/dead_cats

"A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores. "
Klinger

by Chiburb on Jan 16, 2009 8:09 AM CST reply actions

I think "Off-Topic" fails to capture the magnitude of the topic change....

by hitlesswonder on Jan 16, 2009 8:11 AM CST up reply actions

Yeah, you're right. Was just bored with Phat Freddy, Phatter Colon...

And I hate cats.
(Sorry, HSA.)

"A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores. "
Klinger

by Chiburb on Jan 16, 2009 8:19 AM CST up reply actions

reported to SBNation for cat abuse

number one when it mattered!

by hoodlight on Jan 16, 2009 8:34 AM CST up reply actions

(Sorry to you and your pussy too. Fred, isn't it?)

"A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores. "
Klinger

by Chiburb on Jan 16, 2009 8:42 AM CST up reply actions

Stan

number one when it mattered!

by hoodlight on Jan 16, 2009 9:04 AM CST up reply actions

Chi, did they bounce?

I would rather douse a newspaper in gasoline, wrap it around my penis and light it on fire then relive that experience
by armedpp on Aug 29, 2007 2:36 AM EDT

by winningugly on Jan 16, 2009 9:40 AM CST up reply actions

what white sox starting pitcher had the best heat over the past 20-30 years?

bartolo maybe? pre-injury bere? it’s kind of a short list….

by Hatchetm on Jan 16, 2009 8:45 AM CST reply actions

Not even a question.

Jenks.

So, if I am reading the two options correctly . . .
we can either a) keep dye or b) trade dye . . . is that you Phil Rogers?

by jc2313 on Dec 11, 2008 4:53 PM CST up reply recommended Unrec 1

by Where Triples Go to Die on Jan 16, 2009 8:48 AM CST up reply actions

correction*

didn’t see “starting pitcher”.

So, if I am reading the two options correctly . . .
we can either a) keep dye or b) trade dye . . . is that you Phil Rogers?

by jc2313 on Dec 11, 2008 4:53 PM CST up reply recommended Unrec 1

by Where Triples Go to Die on Jan 16, 2009 8:49 AM CST up reply actions

probably will be poreda soon enough

but vazquez hit 97-98 during a game last year didnt he? jose when healthy hit mid upper 90s as well.

by Jbasic89 on Jan 16, 2009 8:53 AM CST up reply actions

How hard did John Rauch throw?

by Grinder in Training on Jan 16, 2009 8:55 AM CST up reply actions

I guess you said best heat, not hardest thrower

I was just thinking who hit the highest on the gun. Rauch got lit up if I recall so I’m guessing it wasn’t that great even if he did throw 98.

by Grinder in Training on Jan 16, 2009 8:56 AM CST up reply actions

rauch never through that hard

low 90s. like danny wright who supposedly threw 95 but never did.

by Hatchetm on Jan 16, 2009 9:02 AM CST up reply actions

I thought he threw about 98 as a relief pitcher?

by Grinder in Training on Jan 16, 2009 10:09 AM CST up reply actions

rauch in 2008

averaged 92.

by Hatchetm on Jan 16, 2009 10:51 AM CST up reply actions

masset's don't grow on trees

The greatest trick the White Sox ever pulled was convincing their fan base that "Ozzieball" ever existed.

by The Wizard on Jan 16, 2009 12:49 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs

rec'd

by Jbasic89 on Jan 16, 2009 2:42 PM CST up reply actions

I saw Wright get to 94 on the stadium gun against the Os one time

He actually did that 5 or 6 times that game and regularly sat at 92. Had one of the best fastballs of any recent Sox prospect that made the bigs.

by hitlesswonder on Jan 16, 2009 10:40 AM CST up reply actions

Gossage or Bart Johnson.

I would rather douse a newspaper in gasoline, wrap it around my penis and light it on fire then relive that experience
by armedpp on Aug 29, 2007 2:36 AM EDT

by winningugly on Jan 16, 2009 9:41 AM CST up reply actions

in the Ozzie era, I think Contreras wins that one.

Sober, I was appalled at the women. Drunk I was told I danced with them all.

by colintj on Jan 16, 2009 10:45 AM CST up reply actions

sickels review of 2004 top 50 pitching prospects

9) Gavin Floyd, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies, Grade A-: Looked like a bust until 2008. Can he sustain this?
10) Kris Honel, RHP, Chicago White Sox, Grade A-: Ruined by injuries.
27) Bobby Jenks, RHP, Anaheim Angels, Grade B+: Successful closer.
28) Andy Sisco, LHP, Chicago Cubs, Grade B+: Good year in 2005, fell apart in ’06, command and health issues.

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2009/1/16/725034/top-50-pitching-prospects

i will no longer laugh at the directions for a water landing.

by larry on Jan 16, 2009 8:59 AM CST reply actions

Yeah, I'd say Jenks is a "successful closer".

I get’s it’s a “little chilly in Chicago today”, too.

I would rather douse a newspaper in gasoline, wrap it around my penis and light it on fire then relive that experience
by armedpp on Aug 29, 2007 2:36 AM EDT

by winningugly on Jan 16, 2009 9:43 AM CST up reply actions

My dog pissed ice this morning.

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Jan 16, 2009 10:11 AM CST up reply actions

The Twins' new open air stadium is going to be pretty sweet for those April games

"No one is sure what Colon has left in his 5-foot-11-inch, 250-plus-pound body." - Chicago Tribune 1/15/09

by tailgater on Jan 16, 2009 10:24 AM CST up reply actions

Does that open in '10?

by JoeCoolMan24 on Jan 16, 2009 10:58 AM CST up reply actions

I believe so

They wouldn’t dare compete with the new Yankme shrine.

"No one is sure what Colon has left in his 5-foot-11-inch, 250-plus-pound body." - Chicago Tribune 1/15/09

by tailgater on Jan 16, 2009 12:40 PM CST up reply actions

I can't wait for that new stadium

The current is a steaming pile of shit.

by JoeCoolMan24 on Jan 16, 2009 1:09 PM CST up reply actions

Perhaps the Cubs should be taking notes

"No one is sure what Colon has left in his 5-foot-11-inch, 250-plus-pound body." - Chicago Tribune 1/15/09

by tailgater on Jan 16, 2009 3:46 PM CST up reply actions

i forgot

41) Jon VanBenschoten, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates, Grade B+: Injuries.

i will no longer laugh at the directions for a water landing.

by larry on Jan 16, 2009 10:13 AM CST up reply actions

if injuries are his only problem we've got ourselves a winner!

by Jbasic89 on Jan 16, 2009 2:44 PM CST up reply actions

Well, my semi-racist uncle once said

the day that a black man is elected President of the United States, is the day hell will freeze over.

Well, by the temps. outside, I think it just did.

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Jan 16, 2009 10:47 AM CST reply actions

Semi?

by VictorB on Jan 16, 2009 11:10 AM CST up reply actions

His uncle was black.

"A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores. "
Klinger

by Chiburb on Jan 16, 2009 11:31 AM CST up reply actions

he was a blind, black man who headed the local KKK

(he thought he was white)

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Jan 16, 2009 11:40 AM CST up reply actions

Clayton Bigsby?

"No one is sure what Colon has left in his 5-foot-11-inch, 250-plus-pound body." - Chicago Tribune 1/15/09

by tailgater on Jan 16, 2009 12:42 PM CST up reply actions

Yes!

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Jan 16, 2009 12:44 PM CST up reply actions

Marketing team should get on an.....

“all you can eat Bartolo night at the park”

by stanchar on Jan 16, 2009 11:38 AM CST reply actions

Bartolo's fat tissue could feed 40,000

Vinny Del Negro interviewed for the job today. I mean come on! Nobody else thinks this is nuts?
by Juiceboxjerry on Jun 6, 2008 4:21 PM CDT actions actions 0 recs

by Ozzie Montana on Jan 16, 2009 11:45 AM CST up reply actions

DEAR ABBY: I am a woman with alopecia (hair loss) who has gotten to the point where I now wear a hair-enhancement system that clips onto my real hair to stay in place. I am happy with it. My anxiety over the problem is gone.

However, the clips are metal, and now I’m wondering if I can ever fly on a plane again. I have seen little old ladies with hip replacements stopped by screeners. I know I would set off the alarm at the checkpoint.

Is there anything I can do to avoid this humiliation? Is there any provision for this sort of problem, or is it at the discretion of the airport security? — ANONYMOUS IN TEXAS

DEAR ANONYMOUS: According to Greg Soule, the public affairs spokesman for the Transportation Security Administration, even if the clips are small, they may set off the metal detector when you go through security. However, private screenings are available to anyone who requests them.

You should talk to a security officer in front of the checkpoint and ask to be screened privately. You will be taken from the public view and checked with a hand wand, among other screening techniques. If the clips are detected, a “pat down” and a visual inspection may have to be done to resolve the alarm.

You can bring a note from your physician explaining your condition, if having one helps your peace of mind. But they are not universally accepted because of concerns about fraudulent documents.

i will no longer laugh at the directions for a water landing.

by larry on Jan 16, 2009 11:54 AM CST reply actions

dear abby, dear abby

My feet are too long
My hair’s falling out and my rights are all wrong
My friends they all tell me that I’ve no friends at all
Won’t you write me a letter, Won’t you give me a call

Signed Bewildered

brian anderson would've caught that...

by BuehrleMan on Jan 16, 2009 12:01 PM CST up reply actions

bewildered, bewildered

You have no complaint
You are what your are and you ain’t what you ain’t
So listen up Buster, and listen up good
Stop wishing for bad luck and knocking on wood

brian anderson would've caught that...

by BuehrleMan on Jan 16, 2009 12:08 PM CST up reply actions